Fire Chief Scott Manlow is urging families in the County of Prince Edward to become informed and practice home fire escape plans as part of Fire Prevention Week Oct. 8-14.

This year’s theme of Fire Prevention Week is “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” because a fast, pre-planned escape is critical to survival.

“Fire and smoke move faster than you,” Manlow says. “There’s no time to figure out how to escape your home after a fire starts. Practice an escape plan before there’s a fire so you can get out safely.”

When there’s a fire, you may have just seconds to safely escape your home. Be prepared in advance with these simple steps for home fire escape planning:

– Assess the needs of everyone in your home
– Identify anyone who requires assistance to get out of the home safely, such as small children or older adults.
– Make sure that you have working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas
– Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm.
– Identify all possible exits (doors and windows) and make sure they work
– Know two ways out of all areas, if possible.
– Everyone must know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds
– Assign someone to help those who need assistance.
– Identify a safe meeting place outside.
– Call the fire department from outside the home – from a neighbour’s home or a cell phone.
– Practice your home fire escape plan at least twice a year
– Have everyone participate.
– Make changes to your plan if necessary.

Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue is hosting open houses and barbecues at its eight fire stations across the County on Sunday, Oct. 15 from 11 am to 2 pm in support of Fire Prevention Week and this year’s campaign. The events will include hot dogs, drinks, public education handouts and tours of the stations.